Bird’s-eye view
With the hustle and bustle of city life, it is easy to forget to take a moment and admire our surroundings. This may be hard to do with skyscrapers dwarfing us, but if we manage to find some elevation and get above it, Melbourne offers a picturesque scene.
Here is a list of 10 places in Melbourne where you can get the best views from up high. Take your pick from iconic monuments to top restaurants or even an adventure amongst nature. Regardless of your choice, all places offer amazing views of Melbourne that you are guaranteed to remember.
1. Vu de Monde
The gastronomic dining experience itself complements the majestic view, with both the theatrics and taste hitting all the right spots.
With a sweeping view of the city, and a stunning interior to boast, Vu de Monde should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. Do be sure to make a reservation before dining.
Address: Level 55, Rialto. 525 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 6pm-late. Thursday to Sunday 12pm-late.
Website: Here
2. Eureka Skydeck
285 metres above the ground sits the modern and sleek skydeck which offers breathtaking views of the entire city. You can immediately take in the captivating view from the moment you step into the glass lifts, which transports you to the 88th floor in just 38 seconds.
Have fun using the complementary binoculars to spot famous landmarks such as the Flinders Street Train Station and the Olympic precinct. Currently the tallest building in Melbourne, it also offers various facilities to heighten your experience of feeling like you are on top of the world.
The Edge Experience, if you dare try it, allows you to be suspended above the streets in a glass cube, while The Walk Experience is a simulation that lets you walk from point to point on a tightrope. Although these activities come at an extra cost, the thrill of having such a unique experience is worth it.
Address: 7 Riverside Quay Southbank 3006
Opening hours: 10am-10pm (last entry at 9.30pm)
Prices: Skydeck – $19.50 | The Walk Experience – $15 | The Edge Experience – $12
Website:
3. No35
Occupying the 35th floor of Sofitel Hotel is No35 that offers spectacular views of the city skyline with suburb food to match. A chic and modern layout with floor to ceiling windows, even in the bathrooms, you are able to get an impeccable view from just about any seat.
Overlooking the city, and even stretching till Port Phillip Bay, you can take in the spectacle of watching daylight give way to night and city lights sparkle in the waters of Yarra River. With dishes created based on seasonal ingredients, it is no wonder No35 remains a favourite spot amongst diners who enjoy dining with a view.
Address: Level 35, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening hours: Sun – Thurs; 6:00pm, Fri – Sat; 5.30pm, Lunch: 12pm – 2pm, Breakfast 6:30am – 10:30am, Sunday Brunch: 12:30pm-3pm
Website: Here
4. Naked in the Sky
Fitzroy may not really come to mind when we think of places with a view, with the low rise buildings and hipster cafes, however, Naked in the Sky offers a great one. The rooftop terrace spans across three sides of the building with glass walls on the side which gives a splendid panoramic view of the city.
The design of the bar itself fits in with the laidback vibe in Fitzroy, with beige tone walls, splashes of paint and low strung light bulbs. It almost feels as if you are transported to Italy or some part of Europe, but with the Melbourne city view as the backdrop.
Address: 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Vic 3065
Opening hours: Sun – Thurs 12pm – 12am | Fri & Sat 12pm – 1am
Website: Here
5. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
What better way to view the city than to do it in comfort. At the waterfront precinct of Docklands is the iconic 40-storey high Melbourne Star which gives you the chance to take in a 360 degree view of the CBD whilst learning more about the city’s history and culture. Moreover, you will spot different scenes every few minutes. As you approach the top, witness as far as Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges emerge before you.
If you can’t decide whether you prefer a day or night trip, purchase the encore ticket for $45 which allows you one trip in the day and another at night. Don’t fret if you don’t feel like going on the same day, as the ticket is valid for 30 days.
Address: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008
Opening hours: Daily10am-10pm (last flight 9.30pm)
Prices: Single flight – Adults $34 | Child $20 | Concession: $30
Website: Here
6. SkyHigh Mt Dandenong
Escape the city, into the serenity and peace of Mt Dandenong, just an hour’s drive away. At 633 metres high, feast your eyes upon the stellar views spanning from mornington all the way to Port Philip Bay and even till the You Yang ridges. In the evening, take in the sight of the sun sinking below the city skyline, and witness the stars begin to emerge and cast a glow over the mountains.
If you get hungry, have a romantic dinner at the bistro with the city lights as your background or lay your picnic mats over the lawns and set up your own BBQ. With a hedge maze, Percy Possums house and barbecue pits, it is a great family getaway destination.
Address: 26 Observatory Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
Opening hours: Weekdays 10am to 10pm | Weekends: 8am-10.30pm
Prices: From $6.00
Website: Here
7. 28 Sky Bar
Although not the highest vantage point in the city, this chic modern cocktail bar does offer a stunning view of Melbourne city through the floor-to-ceiling glass window. Wind down and have some drinks with friends a while admiring the glittering lights of the CBD.
Address: 28, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Opening hours: Daily 12pm-1am
8. Shrine of Remembrance rooftop
This is the perfect place to soak up some culture while getting an amazing view. One of the city’s most iconic places may not come to mind when one thinks of places with a view.
I remember admiring the view of the Melbourne CBD before I even reached the top and finding it entrancing. From the entrance, witness the lush green carpeting paving the way towards the urban landscape. Make your way through the Greek doric columns, and climb to the rooftop of the shrine to get an aerial view of the city skyline just beyond the saturated greenery. Moreover, it is the highest building in the gardens so you will definitely get an unobstructed view.
Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5.00pm
9. Blue Diamond
Located in the heart of the CBD, it is no wonder Blue Diamond has been around for a while with its great service, cocktails, exclusive atmosphere, it is no wonder Blue Diamond has been around and breathtaking views. Although at a mere 15 floor, it offers a revolving view of the melbourne skyline.
What makes it such a unique experience is that you feel as though you are living in luxury, with the lavish furnishings, private booths and plush leather seats. The opulent art deco-inspired interior, adding a touch of 20’s glamour, contrasts the modern cityscape.
Chill out and unwind with a couple of friends over a couple of cocktails and be transported to another world.
Address: Level 15, 123 Queens Street Melbourne 3001
Opening hours: Wed – Fri 4pm-3am | Sat: 9pm-5am
Website: Here
10. Tree surfing
A unique way of obtaining a stellar view yet having an adventure. Escape the hustle of the city and take in the sights of the lush greenery and mountain ranges from a different angle. Tree surfing is a treetop obstacle course that lets you soar through the Dandenong ranges on flying foxes, and test your physical abilities on the 65 aerial challenges. If you muster up the courage, take on the zip-lines and aerial climbings
From the top, you can see the towering buildings of the city in the horizon. A walk among the trees makes you feel as though you are in a tropical country, so definitely give this a try if you tire of city life.
Enchanted Adventure Garden
Address: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
Prices: General entry – Adults $29 | Children and Seniors $19
Website: Here
Best Views of Melbourne
There are definitely more places that also offer spectacular views of the city, but these 10 narrows down your search. Get moving and discover Melbourne from a whole new perspective!